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Today’s Murray children’s dental blog focuses on the issue of caring for baby teeth. Why would you take care of something that’s just going to fall out and be given to the tooth fairy? It’s a good question and it has a even better answer.

Sandy, Taylorsville, and Draper parents shouldn’t feel like they are wasting their time because baby teeth are more important than many people might think. Baby teeth are needed to keep the proper amount of space available for the permanent teeth that will come in later.

Baby teeth are also invaluable in the development of clear speech. This is especially important for Murray parents who are dying to know what their child means when they point to something repeatedly and say ‘scklash’ or ‘grag-grag’.

Having healthy baby teeth will also help your child develop a healthy diet because difficulty chewing can lead to the rejection of many different foods.

And, finally, tooth decay and infection can be passed down from baby teeth to permanent teeth as they develop below them. That’s not what you want for the teeth that Salt Lake City kids are going to have for the rest of their lives. You may be setting them up to need cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

Hi. I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood, an experienced, kid-friendly Murray dentist. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. I also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or teeth whitening, give us a call at 801-506-6009.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we offer:

wisdom teeth removal
Invisalign
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers

Thanks for reading the Salt Lake City dental blog, and contact us today for all your dental needs!

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-your-childs-teeth, accessed on February 12, 2013

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Many Salt Lake City pediatric and general dentists offer sealants to their patients.

Sealants can protect kids’ teeth from tooth decay. The benefits overwhelmingly outweigh the very few risks. 

Two years after placement, dental sealants prevent over 80% of cavities in the permanent molars, in which nine in 10 cavities occur. Centers for Disease Control

Q. What are dental sealants?
A. Dental sealants are permanent plastic barriers applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. They prevent cavities by filling in the grooves and fissures where food particles are particularly to remove–especially for youngsters

Q. How are dental sealants applied?
A. A dental sealant treatment is rapid and painless. The dentist applies the sealant resin as a liquid which quickly hardens and adheres tightly to the pits and grooves.

Q. Which teeth can benefit the most from sealants?
A. Sealants are most common on the first and second molars because they are at the highest risk for decay.

Q. When should sealants be applied?
A. The best time is early–while the teeth are cavity-free. Set up a consultation and exam at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS for your child.

Q. Is brushing and flossing still necessary for the teeth with sealants?
A. Yes. Daily oral hygiene is still critical to keep teeth and gums healthy. Even the teeth with sealants are at risk for decay along the gumline.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Some dental problems need prompt attention–a knocked-out tooth, for example. Other times, it’s not exactly clear if the condition is a dental emergency.

Is unexplained pain or swelling a dental emergency?

Such is the case with painful swelling in the gums. Should you disregard it? Will it go away? 

Let’s describe the possible causes of swollen gums.

It might be due to gingivitis.

Gingivitis can lead to swollen gums. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. If your swollen gums are caused by gingivitis, they may bleed easily. If this oral condition is not taken care of it can lead to periodontitis. With this condition your gums become loose and separate from the teeth. If plaque multiplies in the pockets around the teeth, the gum will start pulling away. It eventually becomes infected. The infection can spread to the bone supporting the tooth.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gingivitis to tooth loss goes like this:

1. Plaque build-up irritates gums
2. Irritated gums loosen from the tooth
3. Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth
4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria
5. Say goodbye to the tooth

What if the swelling is not due to gingivitis?

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate gums. When sinus tissues become inflamed and infected, it can influence the teeth and gums.

Is a mouth sore causing the swelling?

A mouth sore can cause swelling and pain. Mouth sores have various causes including an infection or virus. White patches in the mouth can indicate thrush (an oral yeast infection). All of these conditions can be taken care of—but you need to see your dentist. An urgent care dentist is a great choice for a painful mouth sore because they have extended hours. Some offer weekend appointments.

It could be an abscess.

Swollen gums can also be caused by an abscess. An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most frequent type of oral abscess begins in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by tooth decay. If ignored, this can destroy the bone and eventually cause a lot of pain.

Are these problems considered dental emergencies?

Early-stage gingivitis is not a dental emergency. A mouth sore may or may not be a dental emergency. A tooth abscess most definitely is a dental emergency.

Regardless of the issue, at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we can treat all of these conditions at your convenience. Give us a call.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we are known for walk-in appointments, weekend hours, and emergency care.

Because we are an urgent dental care provider, some of our patients don’t realize that we offer the full spectrum of cosmetic dental procedures.

In today’s post, we are going to highlight one of those services—dental veneers.

Have you ever wished your dentist could glue new pearly white covers on your existing teeth as quick and easy as you paint a wall in your house? Guess what? With porcelain veneers, it’s possible. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth.

Unlike a crown procedure, your dentist does not need to remove tooth structure to place the restoration.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, veneers are used alone and in combination with other cosmetic dental procedures in complete smile makeovers. Because they can correct cosmetic tooth misalignment in one visit, veneers are sometimes described as instant orthodontics.

Do veneers look like natural teeth?
Skilled dental lab artists create porcelain veneers with the color, reflective properties, and translucency of natural teeth: perfect natural teeth, that is. In addition, porcelain veneers can be produced in any size or shape.

Are veneers strong?
Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of extremely durable material. If you have questions about whether a veneer or dental crown is the best choice for you, talk to Clint Blackwood. Dr. Blackwood will consider the size and condition of the tooth and its position in the mouth.

How long do veneers last?
Some smile makeover patients have veneers they received over 15 years ago. (And they still look great!) If properly cared for, veneers can last as long as dental crowns.

Are porcelain veneers affordable?
The cost of cosmetic dental veneers at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is competitive with other premium cosmetic dental practices in the Murray area. We use the top dental lab to create our veneers and a considerable portion of the cost goes to the lab. Porcelain veneers are often less expensive than crowns and orthodontia. For questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, call our office.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

What is the recovery time for a permanent tooth implant procedure?

There isn’t a standard timeline because there are many variables involved.

Each patient’s treatment plan is unique.

Here are some factors that affect the recovery time for a dental implant procedure.

1. Is a tooth extraction required?
2. Will I need to have a bone graft (and/or sinus lift) before getting the implant?
3. Will I receive anesthesia during the procedure?

Tooth extraction

If you need a non-viable tooth pulled, it may be possible to receive a dental implant on the same day. As long as you have enough strong, healthy jawbone in which to anchor the implant.

Bone graft

As soon as a tooth is extracted, the bone begins to recede. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement procedure that prevents or (greatly reduces) bone deterioration.

If teeth at the implant site have been gone for a while, the bone may have receded. Bone can also be weakened or destroyed with a severe infection. 

A key decision is whether an implant patient needs bone augmentation.

In a bone grafting procedure, an oral surgeon or dentist packs bone material into the area where the implant will be placed.

If the implant will be placed in the upper arch, you may need a sinus lift service. When bone matter shrinks in parts of the upper jaw, it may cause the floor of the sinus cavity to fall into the space created.

A sinus lift procedure is done in conjunction with a bone graft. The goal is to raise the floor of the sinus cavity to make room for the additional bone material.

After the bone graft, you need to wait until the new bone has integrated with the existing bone. This will create a sturdy foundation for the implant.

Recovery after a bone graft procedure

Day of procedure: Though bone grafting requires oral surgery, don’t let the term “surgery” give the impression that it has a long recovery time. The site will be sore, but most patients can take care of it with Ibuprofen or aspirin.

It doesn’t take much longer than filling a cavity. Most patients can return to work the next day.

If swelling or pain increases a few days after the procedure, contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS.

After a bone graft, how long until I can get my implant?

The fusing process can take several months. You don’t want to rush this because successful implantation requires a sturdy foundation.

Recovery after implant placement

Just as with the bone graft procedure, the implant placement procedure can be completed in less than two hours. If you elect to have IV sedation, however, you will need to wait until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

You will probably experience the following post-procedure:

• Pain at the implant site
• Minimal bleeding
• Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ice packs used on the outside of the face can assuage swelling. Call our office if these symptoms persist.

NOTE: It is not necessary for a permanent dental implant recipient to be unconscious for the dental procedure. A local painkiller is usually sufficient. However, individuals with dental anxiety may elect stronger sedation.

Healing abutment

Your dentist may attach a temporary healing abutment to the post during the initial surgery. A healing abutment is sometimes called a ‘healing cuff’ or ‘healing cap.’

Make sure you practice proper dental hygiene but be extra careful when cleaning around the surgical site.

It’s vital to follow all post-procedure instructions. And be sure to make the recommended follow-up visits.

Smoking can make it harder to heal from any type of oral surgery.

After a tooth implant has had time to fuse with the bone, you will have an appointment to attach the abutment.

Attaching the abutment

This is a fairly quick treatment. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue at the implant location to expose the post. Then the abutment is attached. Your dentist may place the prosthesis (artifical tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture/partial denture) at the same time. Or your dentist may wait until your gums have healed.

Dental implants can give you a beautiful new smile. To keep it beautiful and avoid further issues (like decay or an infection):

• Practice proper oral hygiene—keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Don’t chew on hard foods or other items
• If you grind your teeth, seek treatment.
• Have a twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray, we restore missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implant placement studies have found a five-year success rate of 98%.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

When it comes to preparing for oral surgery,  the valued patients of Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS are given 6 essential directives to get them through from start to finish.

First, Choose Wisely
Understanding the details of a procedure helps you achieve the optimal outcome. This important knowledge about your dental experience opens up a conversation with our staff. Which leads us to the next instruction:

Second, Question Up Front
We want to answer these 4 important questions:
-What are the alternatives to having it done?
-Why is this the best option?
-How many visits should I expect?
-What kind of complications or risks are there?
(After you’ve asked your questions, we’ll ask ours.)

Third, Update Records
This is not just for billing purposes. The conscientious staff here at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS want to prepare for any possibility. Making sure your personal contact information is up-to-date helps us convey essential specifics to you post-procedure.

Fourth, Be Honest
While Dr. Clint Blackwood has a gentle, helpful touch, we find that slight pinches and cramping and other pain can develop while you are in our chair. When the doctor asks if you are comfortable, please be honest. We understand it is difficult to communicate clearly when your mouth is inundated with tools. Experience has helped us to read your cues. Let us make you as comfortable as possible.

Fifth, Rest and Recover
After any extensive procedure, it is important to allow a period of rest for your mouth. This rest period may vary depending on how the procedure goes. This instruction will be given to you along with any other needed recovery instructions. Follow these as issued.

Finally, Sixth, Accept our Thanks
We appreciate your business and we appreciate the way the Salt Lake City communities have spread the word that Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is Murray’s best kept dental secret located right here at 279 E 5900 S Ste 202 Murray, Utah or on the web at http://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/. We are so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in our hands. Thank you.

We would love to have you invite your friends to enjoy the same exceptional dental care we’ve given you whether they need sedation dentistry, teeth whitening, wisdom teeth removal porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or details on how to improve general oral hygiene. We are here to serve.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

When you meet a man or woman in Salt Lake City who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you?

Do you wonder if they were in an accident?

Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

It’s Unfair….

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often evaluated (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if an individual is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall attractive presentation.

How Does it Lower Your Quality of Life?

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

Missing teeth can be a big deal. Here’s another experience:

I was involved in a car accident three years ago. Two of my teeth were damaged and had to be extracted. For six months I had a big gap in my smile. I have to make sales calls for my job. I felt so self-conscious it affected my work. I tried a dental bridge, but it was hard to clean. One of the adjacent teeth ended up getting decay. I needed a permanent solution.

Better Than Dentures

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-image. Permanent dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of teeth implants continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009 for more information about implant placements and restorative dentistry- Clint Blackwood, DDS

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Today’s post focuses on an effective and versatile cosmetic dental procedure—porcelain veneers.

Veneers are individual covers for the front part of teeth. They are an exceptional way to correct a myriad of tooth imperfections such as chips, stains, yellowing, unattractive shape or minimal misalignment.

Have you ever sought a minimally-invasive facelift for a tooth without getting an entire crown? Veneers are your solution! Durable, tooth-colored porcelain laminate is shaped into thin shells and custom-fitted for each patient’s unique set of teeth.

How many veneers should you get? This depends on how many teeth you want to enhance and the overall condition of your teeth. Dr. Blackwood will counsel you on the most beneficial strategy.

The thickness, color, alignment, and shape of your teeth influence the outcome as well as whether you have any gum recession. Veneers are matched to your existing teeth so they will blend seamlessly, but if you are planning to treat several teeth, you definitely want to have them created in the same “batch” at the lab.

The first step in the veneer process is to make an impression of your teeth to work from. After that, a dental technician will use the model to manufacture the veneers to the precise size, shape, color, and extent of translucency. Experienced cosmetic dentists and dental technicians elevate the level of artistry in this It’s a complex process.

Many patients wonder if veneers are as durable as their natural teeth. Though the veneer tooth-prep process weakens the tooth to a very tiny degree, with proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years. Dr. Blackwood will advise you in detail on proper care of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are more durable than dental bonding, which is sometimes used to correct the same types of imperfections. Dental bonding generally has a shorter life span than veneers, so keep this in mind when comparing the price tags of the two procedures.

If you are looking for a dentist with an artistic eye for impeccable porcelain veneers, give Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS a call. My name is Dr. Clint Blackwood and I have been serving Murray, Utah since 2005.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers.aspx4

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Some individuals don’t feel that their smile is an asset, so they do their best to keep it hidden. Pictures, funny movies, jokes, hilarious internet videos—none of these can induce a smile or chuckle.

If this person sounds familiar (because it is you!), then maybe you would like some specifics about complete smile makeovers.

Don’t be embarrassed! Plenty of folks are disinclined to highlight their smiles.

Here at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we provide cosmetic dentistry procedures for our patients who have concerns such as a previous mouth injury, tooth discoloration, poor spacing, chipped teeth, tetracycline stains, crooked teeth, or missing teeth.

Now is the time to get the confident smile that you’ve always wanted!

Many individuals start with teeth whitening. This quickly creates a brighter smile. It’s a simple procedure, but the results are truly significant.

Other procedures that improve the look of your teeth and/or your oral health include dental crowns, dental implants, veneers, enamel shaping, gum contouring, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an experienced orthodontist if needed.

I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood and I am committed to helping my patients enjoy healthy mouths and beautiful smiles.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107